RATIONALE: Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies, such as iodine I 131 monoclonal antibody 3F8, can find tumor cells and carry tumor-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. This may be an effective treatment for central nervous system cancer or leptomeningeal metastases.

PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying the side effects and how well iodine I 131 monoclonal antibody 3F8 works in treating patients with central nervous system cancer or leptomeningeal cancer.

Patients will receive 10mCi intrathecal 131I-3F8 per week. Patients will be pre-medicated with dexamethasone to prevent possible meningeal inflammatory reaction, Liothyronine and SSKI to prevent thyroid accumulation, and acetaminophen and diphenhydramine in anticipation of possible allergic reaction and fever.

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples are collected prior to and after administration of each course of study drug. Samples are analyzed to assess the intrathecal and blood pharmacokinetics of iodine I 131 monoclonal antibody 3F8 and serum human antimouse antibodies. Samples are also analyzed in tumor genetic studies.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed periodically for 3 months.

No systemic chemotherapy within the past 3 weeks (corticosteroids allowed)

Programmable shunt allowed

Contacts and Locations

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00445965